South Halmahera: Islands, Coast and Culture

At Air Panas Tawa, hot water emerges from cracks in the coastal rock—a geothermal site right by the sea in Desa Tawa. Island beaches, snorkeling and diving opportunities, and historical attractions are also among the experiences South Halmahera has to offer. When planning your trip, it is worth considering which places and activities will be its main focus.

Hot Springs and Island Coastlines

At Air Panas Tawa, the naturally warm bathing water forms when geothermal water meets seawater. The water temperature can vary. After entering Desa Tawa, you can reach the site in about 3 to 5 minutes; road conditions may change.

Pulau Nusara is surrounded by clear blue sea and stretches of white sand, and has a largely natural island setting. Visitors can swim, snorkel, relax on the beach and take photos of the scenery. Tourist facilities include a pier, cottages, gazebos or resting areas, and a beach area for relaxation. Facilities may change; check their current availability before visiting.

Pantai Umamoi also combines clear blue sea with a peaceful, largely natural coastal landscape. Swimming, snorkeling, playing in the sand and relaxing on the beach are possible activities there. A gazebo, observation tower and rinse area add to the facilities.

Pulau Guraici is known for tropical island groups, clear blue sea, white-sand beaches and a peaceful, natural setting. Swimming, relaxing, snorkeling and diving offer different ways to experience the islands and their underwater scenery. Pulau Tawale also has clear water and a peaceful island atmosphere; possible activities include snorkeling, relaxing and enjoying the sea views.

White-sand beaches, clear water and a natural coastal landscape define Pulau Widi. Snorkeling and diving opportunities are noted there. Pantai Sibela in Desa Babang, Kecamatan Bacan Timur, combines blue sea with dense coastal vegetation. Visitors can swim, play in the sand, relax on the beach and take photos.

Getting Around by Boat and Joining Tours

To reach Pulau Tawale, take a local motorboat, known as a longboat, or a rented speedboat from Pelabuhan Babang. The crossing takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the engine and sea conditions. A speedboat or boat is listed for travel to Pulau Widi from the same port; the journey takes about 2 to 3 hours, with a stated distance of approximately 80 to 100 kilometers. A speedboat or tourist boat is listed for Pulau Guraici. The estimated crossing there takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the destination island and landing point; the stated distance is also approximately 80 to 100 kilometers. Weather, waves, boat type and destination affect journey times. Check conditions and details before setting off.

The five-hour Birdwatching and Butterflies Tour combines an opportunity to observe the Burung Bidadari with a visit to a sanctuary for the butterfly Ornithoptera croesus. The stated time is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pickup is available at Pelabuhan Babang or, on request, at another location. Since availability and operational details may change, confirm the tour and pickup location locally in advance.

Seaside Sites and Cultural Heritage

Both Pantai Sibela and Dermaga Biru (DERBI) are located in Desa Babang. Facilities at Sibela include a parking area, public toilets, an information center, and areas for recreation and leisure. Dermaga Biru has a parking area, public toilets, a prayer room and food and drink stalls. Visitors can watch the sunrise and sunset, take photos and spend time with family or friends there. Facilities may change; check which amenities are currently available before your visit.

The traditional Tarian Marabose dance is part of South Halmahera’s culture. It is still preserved today and is typically performed at traditional events, receptions, cultural festivals and important regional celebrations. Another historical landmark is Masjid Kesultanan Bacan, which is associated with trade relations and political interactions between the Sultanate of Bacan and the Dutch colonial authorities. Parts of Benteng Barnaveld and its defensive walls are still visible. Check the current condition of the historic site before visiting.

If you would like to visit a natural body of water near Labuha as well as the coast, Kali Swiss is located on Pulau Bacan. Its clear water is surrounded by lush green trees, and visitors can swim and relax there.

Choose the Focus for Your Hotel Search

The places described offer different highlights: hot springs at Air Panas Tawa, island and coastal experiences around Nusara, Guraici, Tawale and Widi, or cultural and historical impressions at Tarian Marabose and Benteng Barnaveld. For tour and boat details that may change over time, it is best to check the information again before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Central Halmahera.

For the broader travel overview: North Maluku.